“He hates me.”
“He thinks you’re a loose cannon.”
“I’m independent and proactive.”
“Uh-huh.”
He gave me a look, and I scowled. “I’m going for a long, hot shower. You’ll have to arrange to shower elsewhere if you’re hoping for hot water today.”
“Brat.”
I stepped into the room I’d claimed as my own, my gaze going straight to Samael.
No change.
I let out a shaky breath, stepping closer to the bed.
Lia hissed at me as I approached. I paused, narrowing my eyes at her. “You live with demons and cuddle up to werewolves, but it’s the griffin’s scent that’s the problem?”
She ignored me, lifting her leg to wash.
“That’s just peachy.”
I rummaged in my suitcase for clothes and carefully removed my weapons so they could be cleaned. My jeans, sports bra, and underwear would go straight into the trash.
I allowed my mind to take a few precious moments to go blank as the hot water pounded down on me.
When I was done, I dried my hair with my good arm and wrapped myself in Samael’s towel. Less than two weeks ago, he watched me shower, his eyes hot and feral with desire, until he was interrupted by business.
I should have told Azazyel to fuck off and jumped Samael. Should have spent the day in bed talking and laughing with him while I had the chance.
I glanced at Lia, who showed no further interest in approaching me, even though I was now griffin-scent free.
“You can be a real dick, you know that?”
A low laugh sounded behind me, and I glanced over my shoulder at Bael.
The demon grinned at me, slipped his hand into his pocket, and pulled out one of Lia’s fish-shaped treats. I gaped at him.
“You’re bribing my cat now?”
He shrugged. “She was best friends with Vas, and I couldn’t let him win her affections without demonstrating who had the superior ear-scratch.”
I pondered that, and he handed me the treat. I scowled at Lia, who’d opened one eye.
“This is the one and only time I’ll bribe you,” I told her.
Her other eye opened. We both knew I was full of shit.
I offered the treat, and she slowly got to her feet, stretched, and sauntered across the bed toward me.
The treat disappeared from my palm, and I stroked her silky head. She purred and nuzzled me.
“Friends again, huh?”
“Ag wants to see you,” Bael said.
“My arm is fine.”
